Niël Terblanché
Jonathan Beukes, the former managing editor of the state-owned New Era newspaper, has announced his departure from the organisation, citing concerns over the state of media freedom in Namibia.
In a statement distributed on social media, Beukes clarified that his exit was the result of a mutual separation agreement with New Era, stressing that he did not resign but agreed to part ways amicably.
“In exercising my right to freedom of expression and thought, as enshrined in the supreme law of the land, I am duty-bound to express my fear for the deterioration of media freedom and expression and the intolerance for grassroots, especially minority voices and the public interest, in this country of late,” he said.
Beukes’s departure follows a year of contention within the publication.
In October 2023, he was suspended after New Era published reports questioning the transparency of the judiciary in appointing judges.
It was also reported that he resigned from his position at the end of October this year.
This suspension last year drew criticism from various quarters, including the International Federation of Journalists, which condemned the move as a deliberate attack on media freedom.
In his statement on Monday, Beukes expressed deep concern over what he perceives as a deterioration of media freedom and expression in Namibia.
He highlighted an increasing intolerance towards grassroots and minority voices, which he believes poses a significant threat to democracy, especially in the lead-up to national elections.
“The media should at all times operate without fear, favour or prejudice, irrespective of who funds them, more so those funded by hard-earned taxpayers’ dollars,” he said.
Beukes also criticised recent government decisions, particularly in the aftermath of President Hage Geingob’s death.
“It has just been months since his unfortunate demise and this government’s commitment to press freedom is clearly on the wane considering the great lengths the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has gone to muzzle New Era’s principled voice through a harebrained proposed merger with NAMPA,” he said.
He expressed disappointment over the New Era board’s decision to cancel an appeal against a High Court defamation ruling, suggesting that such actions could have lasting negative impacts on Namibia’s media.
“What is more troubling, however, is that the skillset on the current board would not allow them to recognise when they make a vacuous decision. I also urge the Minister of Justice to make public the findings of the investigation that discovered 34% of magistrates who qualify for appointment to the High Court, come from the home region of the former head of the Magistrate’s Commission,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure at New Era, Beukes took pride in the publication’s efforts to hold the judiciary accountable and to shed light on underreported areas.
He said stories were published that led to positive changes in people’s lives, improved policies, and introspection within public institutions.
Addressing his former colleagues, Beukes apologised for his abrupt departure and urged them to continue their work with professionalism and dedication to Namibia and its citizens.
He cautioned against censorship from political figures and administrators, stressing that their primary allegiance should be to the public interest.
“Continue to do your job professionally and with dedication to Namibia and Namibians, not the pampered politicians,” he advised.
He added that the role of independent media remains crucial in ensuring an informed electorate and a robust democratic process especially as the nation is heading for the polls in little more than two weeks.
